I don't know many shops or mobile groomers who don't use a shop or "wet/dry" vacuum regularly. These wonderful tools are endlessly helpful for sucking up all that fur that hits the ground as we work, nabbing cobwebs, cleaning the filters in our dryers, heating systems, fans, and more. But let's be honest, they tend to get smelly. Sometimes it happens after you have vacuumed up some damp fur or some fur that you didn't know was hiding some poo and then forgot to empty the canister. When you turn the machine on the next day, the air around is suddenly scented with what can best be described as YUCK.
These hard-working tools need a good deep clean every so often, and here is how to do it:
- Empty the canister. Give it a scrub with hot, soapy water, then rinse it.
- Remove the paper filter. (Note: some shop vacuums have washable filters. Most do not. Check and see what kind you have.) Take it outside and thump it a few times on a hard surface to dislodge as much dirt as possible. Next, use your high-velocity dryer on low to gently blow all the hair, dust, and crud out of the folds. If the filter is beyond cleaning, replace it. They are inexpensive, and keeping a spare one on hand is a good plan.
- Use a bucket or bathtub and mix a few gallons of hot water with your favorite disinfectant according to the manufacturer's instructions. I like to use products designed for use around pets to target some of the bacteria that a grooming room might be exposed to. Plan on using enough solution to make up about 1/3 of your vacuum's capacity. If you have a 15-gallon vacuum, you will want about 5 gallons of solution. Adjust according to the size of your machine.
- With your filter still removed, suck up the disinfectant solution. The idea is to let it clean the hose and any attachments that you regularly use. Alternatively, you can soak the attachments for a few minutes before you suck the solution up.
- Open the vacuum, and you will see that the previously clear disinfectant solution is now filled with debris from the hose.
- Empty the dirty solution.
- Using the same number of gallons you previously mixed, suck clean fresh water through the machine to rinse the disinfectant solution out. Rinse your attachments at this time, as well.
- Remove the hose from the vacuum and hang it where it can drain and dry. Ideally, leave the hose and attachments outside to be exposed to fresh air and sunlight for at least 24 hours.
- Wipe the canister and leave the lid off so everything can air dry for at least 24 hours.
- Reassemble your vacuum and put the filter back on.
This job only takes a few minutes to complete, and you will be pleased to find the foul odors are gone after your efforts. In most cases, a cleaning like this must only be done every month or so or when you notice a smell when you use the machine.